News

KNOCKED OUT: Oakland’s Espresso Gourmet Caffe’ to Close After 25 Years’

Published

6 years ago

December 14, 2017

‘Amal Sikaffy, owner of Espresso Gourmet Caffe’, will close her doors at the end of the year

Downtown Oakland is rapidly changing. The skyline is making room for new high rises as older structures are demolished. More commonly, new management is hiking up the rent, and thus, uprooting traditional businesses to make room for a new wave of companies and business owners.

Near the corner of 14th and Franklin, Expresso Gourmet Caffee’ will close its doors at the end of the year. For regular customers, purchasing that quick deli sandwich, hot roast chicken with mashed potatoes, lasagna, eggplant salad, gyros or tabouli will soon be disrupted.

The upcoming change saddens owner Amal Sikaffy, who has been in business for 25 years. Originally from Bethlehem, Sikaffy has four adult children and cares for one with multiple sclerosis. She says she was inspired to begin the business because she loved people and serving their favorite foods.

Sikaffy says the restaurant and catering business can be challenging at times but she has weathered the ups and downs through the years. She is grateful for each day she’s been able to serve great food in the community along with employees Lena and Alberto.

“I want to thank all my customers, community, and neighbors for supporting my business all of these years,” she said. “It has touched my heart, the great support that I have received. I will miss you all and I wish for everyone and their families a joyful holiday season and even better 2018.”

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

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6 days ago

April 26, 2024

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Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

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2 weeks ago

April 19, 2024

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California Black Media

Yahushua’s Law: Senate Advances Bill to Protect Students from Extreme Weather

In a significant move towards student safety, the California Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 1248, also known as Yahushua’s Law, on April 3. The bill is named in memory of Yahushua Robinson, a 12-year-old student from Lake Elsinore, who tragically died due to a heat-related illness during a physical education class in 2023. It is a pioneering effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Yahushua Nyerere Robinson (Courtesy Photo)

By California Black Media

In a significant move towards student safety, the California Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 1248, also known as Yahushua’s Law, on April 3.

The bill is named in memory of Yahushua Robinson, a 12-year-old student from Lake Elsinore, who tragically died due to a heat-related illness during a physical education class in 2023. It is a pioneering effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) and co-authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. (D-La Mesa), SB 1248 directs the California Department of Education to develop comprehensive guidelines for schools regarding student activity during all extreme weather conditions.

“No student should ever lose their life on campus to extreme weather when we can take steps to protect them by preparing statewide plans to minimize exposure to the most harmful elements of exposure,” Hurtado said after introducing SB 1248.

The bill stipulates that schools must implement safety measures which include monitoring weather forecasts, postponing or relocating outdoor activities during hazardous conditions, and ensuring students have proper hydration and access to shade. It also requires schools to establish clear communication plans to keep parents, teachers, and students informed about potential weather hazards.

Supporters of the bill include the Robinson family, advocate Christina Laster, Bold Enterprises LLC, California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Familias Empoderadas del Valle Central National Action Network, The Black Student Advocate, and the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Thanking Hurtado for introducing this crucial legislation, Weber said, “The story of Yahushua Robinson last year was heartbreaking. We have protections for farm workers and other industries in the case of extreme weather, now climate change is forcing us to also extend similar protections to students at school.”